Parents and teachers clash over poor BECE results

Mim (Ash), Sept.30, GNA- A misunderstanding between the parents and teachers of Atwima-Mim Junior Secondary School (JSS), at Mim near Abuakwa, nearly marred a meeting organised by the Atwima District Education Planning Team (DEPT) to appraise the performance of students in the 2004 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The school placed 28 out of the 94 JSS in the District with none of the 40 candidates obtaining aggregates between six and 14. While the parents accused the teachers of non-performance, the teachers also blamed the parents of apathy towards the education of their children.

When tempers calm down, the teachers pledged to ensure that the 28 candidates for the 2005 BECE obtain between aggregates six and 15. Mr Baffour Asare-Bediako, an Assistant Director of Education in charge of Human Resource Management and Development, at the District Education Office, called for greater cooperation between the community and the school to enhance teaching and learning.

He expressed concern about the persistent power struggle and enmity between some School Management Committees (SMCs) and school authorities, which tended to undermine effective teaching and learning. Mr Asare-Bediako advised parents to visit the schools regularly to acquaint themselves with the progress of their children.

Nana Oti Boateng, Nifahene of Toase and a DEPT member, asked parents to take keen interest in the development of education. Nana Badu Boakye Danquah, Chief of Achiase, called for unity between the SMCs and the school authorities to enhance quality teaching and learning.

Mr Charles Amoah, the SMC Chairman, who presided over the meeting, called on the people to support the growth of schools in the District.